New PC: Build or Buy?

A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of building your own computer -- and which is exactly what I am going to do in my next two videos! :)

[Kevin-mxvi]

A "pro" that you missed is that you can build a computer that is exactly right for the job it's intended to do, whether that's gaming, video editing, or office tasks. You won't be paying for features you don't need and you can be sure it has everything you DO need.
Proprietary computers are usually difficult to upgrade, which means that if they start to struggle with your requirements you have to replace them, which in the long run can be more expensive than having an initially more expensive but expandable machine.

[IAmGaz_]

Self builder here 🙋🏻‍♂️. Built my last 4 gaming PCs, most recent of which was 2 years ago. There’s a sense of satisfaction which comes from building your own. You can look at it and think “that’s mine. I made that”

[alschwarz]

I just finished building my first PC (Gigabyte mobo, Crucial M.2 NVMe SSD, Corsair 650W PSU, Crucial 2x 4Gb DDR4 and LG optical....all in a Rosewill case). Was a great educational experience researching & putting together the components. Wanted this to be my first Linux box (running Mint now I'm learning Linux on a PC I built myself!!

[ice]

Chris, you really remind me of my university lecturers. Your passion is infectious, and keeps me in the computer mindset. Thank you for making these videos!

[byonbill]

This is an absolutely first rate dissertation on this subject. I have been
involved in PC building, servicing and selling since the mid
eighties, a retired IBM customer engineer that started a one man
business. Your description of the pros and cons of building PC’s
from scratch are right on the money. I started out building the PC’s
myself but within a few years it made more sense to let the
wholesalers I was buying the components from put them together test,
support and provide a warranty. I have reached an age where it is not
possible to sell or service customers anymore, but I still enjoy
working on my own to the extent that I am able. I sure wish I would
have had the service you are providing back when I started. Keep up
the good work.

[EgilWar]

I don't like the proprietary components of some computers which can make it difficult to upgrade. I don't look at the cost on the first build as the total cost. I consider the much longer effective life with the constant improvements over time. In addition there is more satisfaction in your own case and selected components.

[naheeduddin]

I personally think the benefits outweigh the risks

[ajs]

I remember in my 'early build days', I thought an AT motherboard would fit just perfectly in a Micro-ATX case. A touch of smoke later and I was soon sure that was not the case! We live and learn!

[JonasBergling]

Built my first computer in 1996, have done at least 50 by now.
As far as I can remember I never had a component dead on arrival, but once (in 2001 iirc) the motherboard and graphics card didn't like each other even though it was the correct interface etc. Got the card replaced for a different brand free of charge, though, just had to wait a few days for it to be delivered.
The only prebuilt desktops I've decided on since was for a place which needed to have a support agreement where they could have an on-site technician within 24 hours.
If you're wary of picking the wrong parts, there are stores nowadays that have knowledgeable staff who will be happy to help you pick out a combination which is compatible. In Sweden I would recommend Webhallen.com, Inet.se or Komplett.se.
You can also opt to have them build it for you out of components you decide on and have a warranty on the build for 500 SEK (45£/52€/56$). I'm sure there are similar services in lots of other countries.

[lostlatinlover]

My son and I have built computers over the years for ourselves and friends. And everything you've said here is true! My current PC we built for the pure joy of father-son DIY. My son's most recent projects have been building kid PCs from units locked away in the closet that mom and dad bought and abandoned. The parents invest a few bucks and the kids have a PC and in many cases the parents retrieved old files and photos. He has more fun than profit. My boy is 29 and together we've built computers over 20 years.

[ezforsaken]

I've been building PCs since I was 12, It's actually pretty easy and it has gotten easier the last few years regarding connectors, compatibility, fail-safeness and information about it online. Also I think it's very true what you said, one gets very self fullfilled and happy about making a build of your own.

[Larkinchance]

Christopher, thank you so much! With your help I built my own computer! You made simple, all the different components. First off, buy an ATX case, buy a motherboard and a compatible CPU, then an appropriate power supply, then a drive and ram.. It was that simple!.. I went to the shops and priced machines. They were selling a machine for $1200 that was not as good as my $400 machine...
I told everyone that I built my machine! They weren't impressed so I built another one.. Currently, I'm building another.. and I have plans for another... Christopher, HELP!

[sniprmn]

I love building my own PCs for the fact that you mentioned - It's a very personal process and I get emotionally invested in my PCs. I've always loved how intimate the process can be, selecting the components, handling them, putting them in the case and connecting everything. I also feel like you can get better looking cases in the DIY market than you can with manufacturer built devices. I recently built myself an i9 10850K machine and that feeling pressing the power button for the first time and seeing everything light up and the fans spin to life after all that labor went into putting everything together was the most satisfying thing ever.

[alfredmorency]

Another plus to building your own computer is getting manuals with the components, particularly with motherboards.

[docteurslump]

I've building my own PCs from my first Pentium 133 with a Miro 22sd and a 8gb drive. That was ... 24 years ago 😅
I believe that once you're made own first self-build, it's the obvious choice then.
My most recent one : an absolute beast for a 3d designer Friend of mine : A Ryzen 2990WX with 64GB Ram, GTX 2080Ti.
Thank you for bringing up that topic to your channel, I guess that's a passion for many of your subscribers.

[Inaflap]

Whatever you do, don't get drunk on half a bottle of whisky, and then attempt to fix that computer your friend left for you to repair. Flames! Flames leapt from the motherboard that night.

[edsteenhorst]

Thank you so much for this illuminating episode. With the exception of an IBM computer, I have always rolled my own. In a nutshell, there are many things that can go wrong, but there are many more things that go right!

[AntonioSorlozano]

After pourchase 3 PCs from manufactures I decided to buy muy next PC and I'm very satisfied with the results! I has chosen carrefully all the components, I has read a lot about its and when I put toggeter Its has worked perfectly!

[AndrewGulak]

I can't imagine buying a pre-assembled PC in a box. In 20 years it's just never happened. I built my mine, my wifes, and my sons. What you say is very true. I know them all intimately, which makes any issues easier to fix. Love your videos mister.

[gloplg]

Very true. I have been self building since the late 80's. I can relate to what you are saying. Also if it ain't broke I keep my hands out, except for upgrades. Last build was 4 years ago, I7 2600. Last upgrade was 50inch Samsung 4k Tv as a monitor. Needs a better graphics card, water cooling for cpu, etc etc. It never ends.

I like your videos. Please keep them coming